Peru's Congress to reconsider early elections amid ongoing protests
The reform in question modifies the duration of the presidential mandate and those of lawmakers currently in office.
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Peru's Congress
Peruvian lawmakers are reconsidering on Tuesday the vote to hold early elections in 2023 in light of ongoing unrest that has been triggered by the ousting of left-wing President Pedro Castillo.
The reform in question modifies the duration of the presidential mandate and those of lawmakers currently in office. It also schedules the elections to be held at an earlier time.
The amendment was initially proposed on December 16 by President Dina Boluarte but was rejected because it did not muster the necessary 87 votes.
It instead received 49 votes in favor, 33 against, and 25 abstentions.
The controversy over the reform was that leftist congressmen abstained from voting on the basis that Peru's nationalists remained to a large measure in control of the charter.
Wow, the situation in Peru is quite the unique one - a struggle between the Fujimorist government (free-market fascists) and supporters of the ousted President Castillo, which is composed by an alliance of red fascists ("marxist-leninists") and ethno-nationalists. Worst timeline. pic.twitter.com/RRHoQIKE8B
— Commie Pig against the Fascist Creep 🏴 (@UnspookedS) December 16, 2022
But today marks the second time that lawmakers take on the proposal to schedule elections for next year rather than for 2026.
On another note, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Tuesday that Mexico has granted asylum to the family of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.
During a press conference today, Ebrard said Mexico is currently in talks to ensure safe passage for the family of Castillo.
Read more: Peru's Castillo victim of 'anti-democratic persecution': Statement
#ALERTA |@FiscaliaPeru |EL SECRETARIO DE RR. EE. DE MÉXICO, MARCELO EBRARD CONFIRMÓ que la Familia de PEDRO CASTILLO se encuentra en la embajada de MÉXICO de nuestro país y que el ASILO YA SE LES CONCEDIÓ; encontrándose en trámite su salvoconducto para que puedan viajar. 👇 pic.twitter.com/cU2k0wQ1pM
— CESARNEWS-2022 (@Cesarg2021) December 20, 2022
Read more: Blinken calls on Peru leader to pursue reforms, reconciliation
Since December 6, demonstrators in Peru have been blocking the highly strategic Carretera Panamericana, the Pan-American Highway which stretches across the entire Americas and runs north–south through the whole length of Peru and connects all major cities in the country's coastal area.
Moreover, deaths have been reported at several airports where protestors clashed with law enforcement.
Health Minister Rosa Gutierrez announced on Friday that 20 people had been killed since Castillo was arrested on December 7, with two cabinet ministers resigning over the deaths.
Protests against the coup government began to take place across Peru following the impeachment of former President Pedro Castillo.
Peru's Supreme Court approved to detain of Castillo for 18 months before his trial, following the request of Supreme Prosecutor Uriel Teran on Wednesday.
If found "guilty", he could face up to 10 years in jail.
Read more: Airports in Peru to resume operations after protests
